SFNA

Trash Collection Holiday – In observance of Thanksgiving, libraries will close at 5 p.m. Nov. 23, recycling centers will be closed Nov. 24, and there will be no residential trash, curbside recycling or brush collection Nov. 24-25. All city offices, including those listed below, will be closed to the public Nov. 24-25.
City Hall
Heritage/North Lake aquatic centers
Hunter Ferrell Landfill
Irving Arts Center
Libraries
Recreation Centers

The Irving Arts Center box office and galleries will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 25 and will resume normal business hours Nov. 26. North Lake Aquatic Center will remain closed Nov. 26-27. All other offices and services will resume normal business hours Nov. 28.

Chili Cook-Off – As part of the Holiday Extravaganza, the Police and Fire departments will host the Blue Christmas Chili Cook-Off from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 at Heritage Park, 217 Main St. Contestant entry fee is $20 for chili, $5 for beans and a new unwrapped toy. Attendees may purchase a tasting cup for $5. Proceeds will benefit the Blue Christmas Toy Drive. To enter the chili cook-off contest, call (972) 721-4913. To reserve a vendor booth, call (972) 721-2501.

Grease/Oil Disposal – The majority of sanitary sewer overflows are due to grease buildup from homes and apartments. Help prevent costly sewer overflows by following a few simple steps.
Do:
Put oil and grease in collection containers.
Remove oil and grease from kitchen utensils, equipment, food scrapers, towels and brooms.
Keep grease out of wash water.
Place food scraps in collection containers.

Do not:
Pour oil and grease down drains.
Wash fryers, griddles, pots, pans or plates with water until oil and grease are removed.
Use hot water to rinse grease on surfaces.
Put food scraps down the drain.

For more information, call Water Utilities at (972) 721-2281.

ICTN on Demand Spotlight – In this ICTN report, find out why Irving firefighters underwent special training to learn how to address accidents involving hybrid vehicles—watch on demand.

Thanksgiving is Thursday. Remember to be smarter than the turkey you’re frying this holiday season by properly disposing of cooking oil. This public service announcement will show you how—watch on demand.

Be sure to visit the ICTN on Demand page on the city website to watch other exciting and informative videos.

Interact with Irving Online

www.cityofirving.org

Karen K. Ducote | Community Outreach Coordinator

The Irving Public Library invites residents to review plans for the new South Irving Library by participating in a community input meeting. Construction is slated to begin in 2012. For more information, call (972) 721-2628.

IRVING POLICE DEPARTMENT SHARES HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

Halloween may be great fun for kids, but for parents who want their children to remain safe, the evening can be a little scary. The Irving Police Department offers the following safety tips to make sure that accidents and injuries don’t cast a spell over the evening’s festivities.

Making Costumes Safe
- Only wear flame-retardant materials.
- Keep costumes short to prevent tripping or falling in the street.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Use make-up instead of a mask. Masks can obstruct vision – a dangerous thing when crossing streets or walking up and down steps.
- Wear light colors or put reflective tape on costumes to increase visibility at night.
- Warn children that even fake knives, swords and guns can accidentally hurt someone if not handled properly.

Making Your Neighborhood Safe
- Welcome trick-or-treaters by turning on exterior lights.
- Remove objects from your yard that may be hazardous to visitors.
- Drive slowly through neighborhoods.

Trick-or-Treating Safety
- Young children should always be accompanied by an adult and should not wander farther than arms reach.
- Older children should travel in groups.
- Set a time limit for trick-or-treating and map out a safe route.
- Do not take short cuts through backyards, alleys or playing fields.
- Designate a specific time for older children to return home.
- Take a flashlight or glow stick if trick-or-treating after dark.
- Only visit homes with the exterior lights on.

Eating the Treats
- Instruct children not to eat any treats until they get home.
- Examine all candy before allowing children to eat it, and throw out anything that is not in the original wrapper.
- Throw away homemade goodies unless you know the person who gave it to your child.

For more information about making your Halloween a safe and fun experience, contact the Irving Police Department at 972-273-1010 or visit www.irvingpd.com.

Source:
Susan Rose | Community Outreach Manager | Media Relations
City of Irving | City Manager’s Office | Strategic Services Team
825 W. Irving Blvd. Irving, TX 75060
Office (972) 721-2777 | Cell (972) 742-2325
srose@cityofirving.org
Join All About Irving | Follow us on Twitter

Fall Carnival Series – Children of all ages are invited to the Fall Carnival Series organized by the Parks and Recreation Department. The fall carnivals will be held at various recreation centers as indicated below. Tickets are 25 cents each or five for $1. Activities, which vary by location, will include carnival games, cakewalks, jump houses, bingo and concessions. Call each recreation center for details.

· Oct. 28 – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.,
Cimarron Park Recreation Center, 201 Red River Trail, (972) 910-0702

· Oct. 28 – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.,
Georgia Farrow Recreation Center at West Park, 530 Davis Drive, (972) 721-2519

· Oct. 28 – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.,
Northwest Park Recreation Center, 2800 Cheyenne St., (972) 721-2529

Outdoor Warning System Test – The Irving Outdoor Warning System will be tested at 1 p.m. Nov. 2. The Outdoor Warning System for the City of Irving consists of 25 sirens located throughout the city. The sirens are activated from the Irving Fire Department alarm office to warn of severe weather. The monthly test is to ensure that the system is fully operational and also to remind residents about the Outdoor Warning System and how it sounds.

Nature Encounter Walk – Enjoy a guided walk along Spring Trail (northern section of Campión Trails) from 9 to 10 a.m. or 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 5. Interpretive naturalists will discuss flora and fauna. Walking distance is approximately one mile. Attendees should wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Register for the Nature Encounter Walk online.

Book Sale – The Friends of the Irving Public Library Semi-Annual Book Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 5 at 3000 Rock Island Road. Proceeds will help to support the Irving Public Library. For more information, call (972) 721-2608.

Fire Safety – As part of the Fire Department’s Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery campaign, residents are reminded to replace smoke detector batteries when Daylight Saving Time ends Nov. 6.

Parks and Recreation Classes – The Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting a variety of classes for all ages. Registration will start at 6 p.m. Nov. 8 at various city recreation centers. Classes will begin Nov. 14 and end Dec. 17. Classes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Low-Cost Vaccinations – Up to four animals per household can receive low-cost vaccinations Nov. 8-11 at the Irving Animal Care Campus, 4140 Valley View Lane. Prepayment of $20 per animal will be accepted through Nov. 5. Each pet will receive the vaccinations listed below. For more information, call (972) 721-2256.
Rabies (pets four months and older)
Bordetella (dogs)
FVRCP (cats)
DHPP (dogs less than four months of age) or DHLPP (dogs four months and older)

Veterans Day Program – The Irving Veterans Memorial Park Committee will host a Veterans Day Program at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at the Irving Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd. The program will include the dedication of a new Police Officers’ Memorial.

Home Chemical Collection – Celebrate Texas Recycles Day by properly disposing of unwanted home chemicals from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 12 at the northwest side of Irving Mall. Disposal is free to residents. Proof of residency, such as a valid driver’s license or utility bill, are required. For more information, call Solid Waste Services at (972) 721-8059. View the list of acceptable and unacceptable items online.

Irving Fire Chief to Speak to Neighborhood Associations – Looking for a presentation for your next neighborhood meeting? How about Fire Chief Mario Molina? You have heard him speak at the Neighborhood Roundtables, now have him present “Irving Fire Department: Community Safety Results” to your neighborhood association. To schedule Chief Molina for your next meeting, contact Teresa Villasenor at 972-721-4909 or by email at tvillase@cityofirving.org.

South Irving Library Community Input Meeting – The Irving Public Library invites residents to review plans for the new South Irving Library by participating in a community input meeting 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd. Construction is slated to begin in 2012. For more information, call (972) 721?2628.

Neighborhood Roundtable – The quarterly Neighborhood Roundtable was hosted Oct. 25 by the Strategic Services Team with more than 62 participants. During the meeting, attendees heard a presentation on Economic Development in Irving by the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce. (See presentation attached)

Video on Demand Spotlight – ICTN cameras were there when city staff presented an overview on this past fiscal year’s accomplishments at the fall Resident Town Hall Meeting—watch on demand.

In recognition of ICTN’s 30th Anniversary, here’s another look back into the archives to show you how some of the city’s recreational amenities got their start—watch on demand.

Be sure to visit the ICTN on Demand page on the city website to watch other exciting and informative videos.

Source:
Karen K. Ducote | Community Outreach Coordinator
City of Irving | Strategic Services Team
(972) 721-2533 kducote@cityofirving.org
Join All About Irving | Follow us on Twitter

The Job Opportunities at http://www.cityofirving.org/hr/employment.asp have been updated.

The following jobs have been added this week:

Dispatcher II, Police
Utility Pumping Operator

Front-of-House Worker(Part-Time), Arts Center
Library Assistant I (Part-Time)
Library Assistant II (Part-Time)

Source: employment@lists.cityofirving.org

Northwest Park Trail Extension – Construction is completed on the Northwest Park trail extension. This new concrete trail enhances pedestrian access for the surrounding neighborhood, linking to both Northwest Park and Haley Elementary without the use of roadways. The concrete trail includes crossings at Cheyenne Road, Rochelle Road, Finley Road and Twin Falls Street. Also included are a low?flow pedestrian crossing, park benches and trash receptacles.

Wi-Fi at Southwest Park – Southwest Park, 2800 Shady Grove Road, is now a free Wi-Fi hot spot, thanks to a joint effort between Information Technology and the Parks and Recreation departments to provide free wireless Internet connection for park users. This new feature will benefit the many sports tournaments that come to Irving and will help generate more events at the park.

Halloween Dance – Come dressed in costume and dance the night away with music from a live band from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Heritage Senior Center, 200 S. Jefferson St. Refreshments will be provided along with some ghoulish surprises. Admission is $5 per person. For more information, call (972) 721-2496.

Urban Farming Workshop – An Urban Farming Workshop is being held from 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 29 at the Senter East Building, 228 Chamberlain St. This workshop will provide individuals with information about how to live sustainably in an urban setting. Topics to be discussed include organic vegetable gardening, raising chickens and alternatives to household chemicals. Register for the Urban Farming Workshop.

Prescription Drug Collection Day – Residents can properly dispose of controlled pharmaceutical substances from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 29 at Irving Mall (near Dillard’s), 3880 Irving Mall, and at Walmart, 1635 Market Place Blvd. For more information, contact Sgt. Joe Palomar at (972) 721-2545.

Haunted Cave – In celebration of The Big Read, visit a haunted cave straight out of Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” at 5 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd. Children will enjoy crafts, games and trick-or-treating. Attendees will be challenged to find their way out of the cave without disturbing the bats.

Video on Demand Spotlight – Trekkies, geeks and nerds from all over descended upon the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas for Star Wars Fan Days. In this ICTN report, attendees share thoughts about the new convention center—watch on demand.

Now that fall has arrived, more people are expected to spend time outdoors. In this ICTN report, police provide safety tips that everyone should consider—watch on demand.

Be sure to visit the ICTN on Demand page on the city website to watch other exciting and informative videos.

Source: Karen K. Ducote | Community Outreach Coordinator
City of Irving | Strategic Services Team
(972) 721-2533 kducote@cityofirving.org

Residents who were not randomly selected to complete the 2011 Resident Survey have the opportunity to complete it online through Oct. 12. Feedback will help set budget priorities, evaluate existing programs and enhance programs/services to improve the quality of life for residents. A final report of the survey findings will be prepared for City Council. Complete the survey by visiting www.cityofirving.org/survey.

Source: City of Irving Operations Update provided to the City Council

Resident Survey Opportunity: Residents were selected at random to complete the 2011 Resident Survey. Those who did not receive the survey have an opportunity to provide input on city services online through Oct. 12. Feedback will help city leaders improve the overall quality of life for the Irving community. Complete the 2011 Resident Survey online.

Big Read Celebration: Irving residents are invited to escape back into childhood during the city’s sixth annual Big Read. The monthlong celebration will commence with The Big Twain Thang, an old-fashioned country fair, from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 1 at the West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road. View a complete list of Big Read activities online.

Heritage House Tours: Enjoy an up-close look at Irving history from 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 2 at Irving Heritage House 303 S. O’Connor Road. Built in 1912 by C.P. Schulze, brother of one of the cofounders of Irving, J.O. Schulze, the house was designated as a Texas State Historical Landmark in 1986. Admission is free and docent-led tours will be available at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Group tours also may be arranged at alternate times. For more information, visit www.irvingheritage.com or call (972) 252-3838.

Trail Dedication: The city is hosting a dedication ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 5 for Sam Houston Trail, 101 E. Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway (Interstate 635). RSVP to Parks and Recreation at (972) 721-2501 by Sept. 30. In the event of inclement weather, call (972) 994-1120 after 7 a.m. for alternate arrangements. View Sam Houston Trail Dedication Invitation.

Outdoor Warning System Test: The Irving Outdoor Warning System will be tested at 1 p.m. Oct. 5. The Outdoor Warning System for the City of Irving consists of 25 sirens located throughout the city. The sirens are activated from the Irving Fire Department alarm office to warn of severe weather. The monthly test is to ensure that the system is fully operational and also to remind residents about the Outdoor Warning System and how it sounds.

Job Fair: The Irving Public Library’s Job Center will host a job fair from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Irving Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd. Recruiters from local companies will meet with job seekers to discuss employment openings, collect résumés and schedule interviews. For more information, call (972) 721?2326.

ICTN Milestone: This year, Irving Community Television Network (ICTN) will celebrate three decades of programming excellence. In recognition of this milestone, Mayor Beth Van Duyne and other city leaders will gather for a reception at 6 p.m. Oct. 6 at City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd. View vintage clips from ICTN’s early days on YouTube.

Shredding Event: A community shredding event has been scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 7 at the drop-off recycling center located at 3000 Rock Island Road. Shredding events provide residents with an opportunity to have sensitive documents properly destroyed and also offer residents an easy way to conserve resources by recycling paper.

Ms. Mature Irving: Seven local ladies will compete for the title and crown of Ms. Mature Irving during a special pageant at 7 p.m. Oct. 14 in Carpenter Performance Hall at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children age 12 and under. Tickets the day of the pageant are $12 for adults and $10 for children. For more information, call the Heritage Senior Center at (972) 721-2496.

Town Hall Meeting: City staff will present an overview on this past fiscal year’s accomplishments at a Resident Town Hall Meeting set for 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd. Residents can come early for self-guided tours of the convention center from 5 to 7 p.m. Residents who are unable to attend this year’s meeting can listen to the presentations and ask questions via telephone by calling (888) 886-6603, ext. 17297#.

Hiking Opportunity: Explore the nighttime world of animals at Campión Trails with native species experts from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 21 at Bird’s Fort Trail, 5757 Riverside Drive. Participants should bring a flashlight. This night hike will begin with a special Halloween activity from 7 to 8 p.m. Register for the Night Hike at Campión Trails.

Urban Farming Workshop: An Urban Farming Workshop is being held from 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 29 at the Senter East Building, 228 Chamberlain St. This workshop will provide individuals with information about how to live sustainably in an urban setting. Topics to be discussed include organic vegetable gardening, raising chickens and alternatives to household chemicals. Register for the Urban Farming Workshop.

Prescription Drug Collection Day: Residents can properly dispose of controlled pharmaceutical substances from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 29 at Irving Mall (near Dillard’s), 3880 Irving Mall, and at Walmart, 1635 Market Place Blvd. For more information, contact Sgt. Joe Palomar at (972) 721-2545.

Online Crime Reports: The Irving Police Department is partnering with www.crimereports.com to allow residents to view crime data online. The crime-mapping website compiles information on crimes that have occurred in Irving by incident type, time and location, and marks them on a map of the city. To access the map, visit www.cityofirving.org/police and select “CrimeReports” at the bottom of the page. For more information, call (972) 721-3515.

Irrigation Basics: The class, Irrigation Basics, will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 15 at Valley View Municipal Complex, 333 Valley View Lane. Participants will learn how to maintain, test and conduct minor repairs on irrigation systems. Register for Irrigation Basics online.

Come one, come all to the 2011 Fall SFNA neighborhood block party. We will have food, fun and games for the kids. The block party will be held Sept. 17, 2001 from 4:30 PM until 7:30 PM at the corner of Nottingham and Yorkshire.